For More Information: If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, or if you would like to find out more information about Stephen Ministry at St. Bartholomew's Church, please contact Fr. Dan Gallaugher or Deacon Julio Blanco-Eccleston at the rectory (301-229-7933).

Stephen Ministry is a program of St Bartholomew that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who:

• express God's care through their lives to others;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• visit another person regularly and offer Christian support and care;
• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• receive continuing education and skill building through their years of service

Meets the Needs of People There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to:

• the hospitalized
• the terminally ill and their families
• people who move into or out of our community
• those grieving a death or serious loss
• the homebound
• the lonely
• birth or adoption
• empty nest syndrome
• the aging and elderly
• those facing life transitions
• those needing the support of a Christian friend
• those with disabilities and their families
• the separated or divorced
• those with a job crisis
• those in spiritual crisis